The purpose of this study was to produce functional criteria that could be used for the initial selection, reappointment and promotion of faculty in baccalaureate schools of nursing. The establishment of the criteria was derived from a tentative criteria that was developed from seventeen research questions. The review of nursing and related literature was conducted to focus on and to justify the tentative criteria. It was presented under the following categories: faculty selection, reappointment and promotion; academic preparation of nurse faculty; nursing research; and continuing education in nursing. The data indicated that a master's degree in a clinical nursing specialty is the minimum academic preparation for faculty in baccalaureate schools of nursing. There was a strong indication from the data that a doctoral degree in nursing will be the expected future academic preparation of collegiate nursing faculty. Continuing education, research, publication, and community service were given a high priority as criteria for reappointment and promotion. The criterion regarding work experience during the summer in a clinical practice setting is currently not given consideration, if any, for reappointment and promotion. However, it was given more consideration as one of the criteria that should be utilized in reappointment and promotion.